Valerie Blandino, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Valerie!

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California, and I’m passionate about helping people navigate the ups and downs of life. My style is warm, collaborative, and a little bit real — I see therapy as a team effort where we work together to help you feel more grounded, confident, and fulfilled.

My focus

I love working with adults who are managing anxiety, depression, life transitions, or job stress. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready for a change, I believe you already have the tools inside you — my job is to help you find and strengthen them.

My approach

I take a strengths-based and solution-focused approach, blending mindfulness and cognitive techniques to help you grow in ways that feel genuine and doable. I also look at the bigger picture — your environment, relationships, and life experiences — because all of these shape how we feel and function.

My communication style

Clients often tell me they appreciate that I’m both kind and direct. I’ll always hold a safe, judgment-free space for you, but I’ll also gently challenge you when it helps you move forward. I use humor when it feels right — sometimes a little laughter can make the hard stuff easier to face.

My journey to mental healthcare

I became a therapist because I’ve always been inspired by the ways people can grow through life’s challenges. My own experiences showed me how healing can happen through connection, understanding, and support. I was drawn to this work to help others find hope, strength, and a renewed sense of possibility in their lives.

My goals for you

I help clients set meaningful, realistic goals by focusing on what matters most to them. Together, we break things into manageable steps using mindfulness, cognitive tools, and a solution-focused approach. I offer support, honest feedback, and a touch of humor to make growth feel doable and authentic.

Our first session

Our first session is a chance to get to know you—what’s been happening, what you’d like to work on, and what kind of support feels right. We’ll go at your pace, build comfort and trust, and see if we’re a good fit. My goal is to help you move toward greater balance, healing, and hope.

I identify as...

Female
Hispanic or Latinx

Expertise

Specialties

Anxiety

Child Abuse or Neglect

+ 17 more

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Compassion Focused

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 6 more

Focus populations

First Gen American/Immigrant Parents

+ 1 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem
Arlo (Cigna)

+ 39 more

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Valerie Blandino